Unit 4 Summary Assignment
Module 4 – Music of the Classical Period
Unit Summary
(20 points)
1. Name two important visual artists (not musicians) from the Classical Period. (1 point)
Jean-Honoré Fragonard
Jacques-Louis David
2. Name two important writers of literature (not musicians) from the Classical Period. ( 1 point)
Voltaire
Denis Diderot
Jane Austen
3. Discuss the political events and sociological factors that made the Classical Period such a time of violent upheaval. (1 point)
The years 1750 to 1820 were characterized by the Seven Years’ War, the American and French Revolutions, and the Napoleonic Wars. These political events coupled with the drastic social change proven by the shift of power from the aristocracy and church to the middle class, as well as the increase in social mobility. Every accepted idea was being put into question and reevaluated.
4. Write a paragraph that includes the characteristics of music in the Classical Period music. (4 points)
Classical Period music was characterized by variety and contrast of mood, which means that a piece will fluctuate in theme as well as within a single theme. This change may occur steadily or abruptly, but the classical composer is always in control. Variety is achieved through a flexible rhythm, including unexpected pauses, syncopations, and a frequent movement from long to short notes. Classical music has a usually homophonic texture; however, it can easily shift textures, whether it is smooth or sudden. Classical melodies are tuneful and easy to remember. Their themes tend to have a folk or popular flavor, whether borrowed or original. Their structure is usually two phrases of equal length, making the melody balanced and symmetrical. The second phrase begins like first, but ends conclusively. Rather than shifting dynamics abruptly, composers made use of crescendo and decrescendo. The piano replaced the harpsichord in order to accomplish the gradual dynamic change; a pianist could play loudly or softly by
Unit Summary
(20 points)
1. Name two important visual artists (not musicians) from the Classical Period. (1 point)
Jean-Honoré Fragonard
Jacques-Louis David
2. Name two important writers of literature (not musicians) from the Classical Period. ( 1 point)
Voltaire
Denis Diderot
Jane Austen
3. Discuss the political events and sociological factors that made the Classical Period such a time of violent upheaval. (1 point)
The years 1750 to 1820 were characterized by the Seven Years’ War, the American and French Revolutions, and the Napoleonic Wars. These political events coupled with the drastic social change proven by the shift of power from the aristocracy and church to the middle class, as well as the increase in social mobility. Every accepted idea was being put into question and reevaluated.
4. Write a paragraph that includes the characteristics of music in the Classical Period music. (4 points)
Classical Period music was characterized by variety and contrast of mood, which means that a piece will fluctuate in theme as well as within a single theme. This change may occur steadily or abruptly, but the classical composer is always in control. Variety is achieved through a flexible rhythm, including unexpected pauses, syncopations, and a frequent movement from long to short notes. Classical music has a usually homophonic texture; however, it can easily shift textures, whether it is smooth or sudden. Classical melodies are tuneful and easy to remember. Their themes tend to have a folk or popular flavor, whether borrowed or original. Their structure is usually two phrases of equal length, making the melody balanced and symmetrical. The second phrase begins like first, but ends conclusively. Rather than shifting dynamics abruptly, composers made use of crescendo and decrescendo. The piano replaced the harpsichord in order to accomplish the gradual dynamic change; a pianist could play loudly or softly by